TICKS & FLEAS

The cat flea is the most common flea found on cats and dogs in Tennessee. They are about 1/16 inch long and appear reddish-brown in color. Adult fleas can jump almost 200 times its height. A potential concern with cat fleas is there ability to transmit dog tapeworm. Common hosts to cat fleas include cats, dogs, opossums, foxes, rats, and other urban animals.

​

Ticks are external parasites that feed off of the blood of their hosts. Their fused head, thorax, and abdomen distinguish them from other pests. They are commonly found in woodlands, lawns, brushy areas, dog kennels, and dog runs. There are three common ticks in Tennessee:

​

American dog tick – dark brown tick that has randomly arranged silver streaks on its back. This species of tick can transmit the organism that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They are mostly seen in the spring and early summer.

​

The lone star tick – reddish brown tick that has long, large snouts and pale markings on its back. The adult female has a white spot in the middle of her back, which is how this tick was named. They are mostly seen in the spring.

​

Brown dog tick – dark reddish-brown without any light-colored markings on its back. This tick rarely attacks humans and is most likely found on dogs and other animals. It is usually found in the spring and summer.